Kessler man accused of pointing laser at police helicopter

A man walking two poodles in Kessler Park was arrested around 1 a.m. Friday, accused of pointing a laser at a police helicopter.

A Dallas Police Department helicopter was flying over Colorado Boulevard when someone shined a laser pointer into the aircraft, according to KDFW. Shining a laser into an aircraft is illegal because of the potential to damage pilots’ eyesight or otherwise interfere with operation of the aircraft.

The man shined the laser for about 10 seconds before the helicopter pilots shined a spotlight. Police say the man tossed the laser pointer and attempted to hide under some trees.

The DPD pilots directed patrol officers to the location, and the man was arrested on a charge of illumination of an aircraft by intense light, which is a misdemeanor.